[MyBestKids2]

or so I thought. I've never had the flu. However, when my fever spiked to 104 yesterday, I became concerned. I'm achy, had chills and sweats, coughing, shortness of breath, and so very tired. Somehow, somewhere I dragged myself to an urgent care center. They have everything there between xray machine, and lab tests so I wouldn't have to go anywhere else. I had the rapid flu test, strep test, and chest xray. Guess what they showed...nothing, absolutely nothing!!! The doctor did say I have an infection somewhere, but he just didn't know where. He gave me Zithromax and a cough syrup with codeine.

Did he assume I have an infection because of my high fever? Any thoughts??

[January]

Do you have a family Dr. you can go see? You'd think they could come up with some reason for a fever that high! Please keep drinking lots of fluids.

I hope you feel better very soon.

[bebop]

that is how I felt with the swine flu! yuck!

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by MyBestKids2

I had the rapid flu test, strep test, and chest xray. Guess what they showed...nothing, absolutely nothing!!!

They did show something. They showed you don't have the flu, strep throat, or a chest infection (which is a sign of pneumonia). So he learned a lot!

Did he assume I have an infection because of my high fever? Any thoughts??

You have an infection because of all your symptoms. (You don't get those symptoms unless you have an infection.) They are caused either by bacteria or virus. He can't tell if it bacterial or viral with the tests he did, but he gave you Zithromax just in case it is bacterial. It is bacterial, the medicine will speed your recovery. If it is viral, the medicine will not help and you will just get over it at your own pace. The best you can do is do whatever you can to boost your immune system, which will help with both viral and bacterial. For example, get lots of rest, eat well (if you even feel like eating).

Hope you feel better. I'm sick too.

[wanttoheal]

A friend of mine's daughter had swine flu. But the first time she was checked, it came up negative. She went back two days later and it came up positive. You might want to go back to your Dr. if you are still feeling yucky and get another test.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon.

[kim_johnson]

Hmm. And this is why health reform is needed...

Docs get paid in accordance with the number of (unnecessary) tests they order...

Cold / flu really does suck, though. Hang in there. Lots of fluids (to help your body flush toxins out) and rest. If your cough is productive then it will probably speed your recovery to loosen it by keeping yourself hydrated and not suppress it with cough syrup.

> Did he assume I have an infection because of my high fever?

It seems as though he did. Shame on him.

Patient satisfaction is highest when they are given prescriptions for things like cough syrup with codine (doc seems to be taking pain seriously) and antibiotics (there really is something wrong with me). Unfortunately, antibiotics only shorten the life of a bacterial cold by an average of 2 days (and often result in yeast infections which in turn need to be treated) and there is much evidence to show that overprescription of antibiotics (for bacterial colds and viruses) is what results in superbugs developing that are resistent / immune to antibiotics.

But still... Your doc won't get sued if you get worse, I suppose. Good for him.

[ECHOES]

Yes, whether or not the tests showed evidence of strep or flu, the fever (and possibly the fatigue, too) would indicate an infection.
The tests would not show evidence of other viruses, only those for which they tested. Viruses can cause symptoms that are really uncomfortable and frightening.
It's good that you were tested so you can feel reassured.
I'm glad you were given an antibiotic and I hope you feel better soon.

[MyBestKids2]

Thanks all for your responses! The Zithromax helped at first, then bottomed out. Its been 12 days, and I still have the awful cough, and the shortness of breath is getting obnoxious.

At least I don't have a fever anymore..that was only for 6 days, thank goodness.

I rarely get sick, and get frustrated when I can't overanalyze what I don't know

[January]

Go to the Dr. and let them check to see if you've developed bronchitis. That would account for the cough and the shortness of breath. I hope you feel better very soon.